Practical hints and tips Linda Levin

Key ingredients for successful scrutiny Setting up the panel Building skills and knowledge Communications and relationships Resources and support for panels

Setting up your panel Existing panel takes on the scrutiny function Do these customers have the right skills and experience? Can they be trained to take on the role? Representative? Election Fair and democratic? Just a popularity competition? Recruitment and selection How do you attract people?

Top tips Ensure that tenants know what the scrutiny role involves to help them make an informed decision Be honest and open about the skills, etc, needed and stick by this – it can avoid disappointment, frustration and a waste of time and money If recruiting, be creative....some examples Use of social media Advertise on job pages of website Send information with rent statements Make your advert interesting, appealing!

Building skills Softer skills are just as important as technical skills Leadership Team working Communications – evidence, reports, presenting findings, promoting the work of the panel Time management Assertiveness and influencing Independence & confidence

Top tips Induction and ongoing training should cover the ‘softer’ skills as well as technical skills Skills building is not a one off exercise – annual reviews and development planning is essential to ensure continued personal and panel development Can you offer recognised or accredited training? Ensures quality Offers tenants a route to other qualifications and potential employment. Institute of Leadership and Management recognition for our training

Communications and relationships Critical for the success of the panel Clear communications plan required to show how the panel will work with Other tenants – involved and uninvolved Board and committees Senior managers Staff Other key stakeholders Important to build good formal and informal relationships to build spirit of cooperation

Top tips Panel must communicate what it is doing using a variety of media, not just newsletters: -Social media -Tenant Advisor -Attending community events It is important to get across not just what the panel is doing, but also their approach...... You will need a dispute resolution process...just in case...

Resources and support Budget that the panel controls to secure the support and resources they need A base where the panel can meet and keep documents Independent coaching and mentoring – chosen by the panel Support of the landlord, the Board and other tenants

Top tips Visible and active support from the top of the organisation is required Agree how this will work from the start – use the communications plan to pin this down

Thanks for listening - any questions? linda@tenantadvisor.net Tel: 07967 342436 www.tenantadvisor.net